Last night I got the chance to talk to a Korean that was born in the United States, but has reestablished himself as a citizen of South Korea. He gave me some information on the relationship between South Korea and Japan. He discussed what the Japanese did to their women during WWII, experiments they conducted on their citizens, the 33 years of so that Japan occupied their land, and how they have never apologized for their actions nor how they treated South Korea. I would further describe some of the details he gave me, but history can be an ugly thing sometimes.

Prior to Japan occupying Korea, as the story goes, was that the last king and queen of Korea were on the brink of making ties with France. However, Japan teamed up with them sooner and in addition the cousin of the king betrayed his people and homeland and engaged in an agreement with the royal family of Japan signing a document that ceded South Korea over to Japan. As Japan crossed the east river into Korea they crossed over the land to the capital in Seoul and surrounded the royal palace, which was heavily guarded. Then ninjas managed to penetrate into the fortress and kill all who were found. Before they killed the queen who had disguised herself as a maid she begged for her life. Thereafter, they raped and tortured her and, after her final words, took her life by way of sword. Her final words I have yet to gather, but I will eventually get the bottom of this. After the Japanese had complete control they turned the royal palace into a zoo so that they might mock the Korean people.

So here's a bit of the South Korean history that I have had the chance to get to know. What surprizes me is that I would assume that after a rough historical background, that happened with a century, that the Korean people would be somewhat hostile. Thankfully, that is not the case. As my Korean friend told me, they want an apology, but what has happened in the past can't be changed by the animosity that we allow to build up inside of us today. Interesting thoughts. More to come...

So far this first week has been on the go. I'm having a little trouble adjusting to the late night teaching hours from 3 to 9, but I pin that one on the jet lag and the freakishly humid weather. My first three days I worked with elementary students. It went well, but it was defiantly out of my confort zone. It was, however, interesting to see how smart some of the little dudes were. Also it was interesting to find out how much they study or are forced to be in school. Most start at 8:30 only to finish Korean school at 3:30 then it's off to an institution to study math, science, history, music and/or English. They end up being in class over 10 hours a weekday only to go home and do homework or study more. Plus, many take extra classes on Saturday as well. It's good because they are learning a great deal of information while their brains are still developing. It's bad because I wonder how much of a childhood most of them have.

I'm learning a great deal about Korean culture that I didn't think I'd pick up until I read more of their history, but talking to natives and witnessing Korea at first hand I am beginning to see things more clearly. Work is long, hard, and nearly everyday. At Samsung when they're doing a serious project they might end up working 30 somewhat straight hours only taking small power naps when needed. Everybody seems so busy in Seoul having a place to be and something to do. The town does not sleep. In fact, it almost seems that the city gets busier as the sun sets and the moon rises. Yes, the Koreans take work serious and stress the importance of working hard. However, such conditions do leave some fatal conclusions. Suicide is on the rise because of the high demands on teenagers and young adults. Alcoholism is widely accepted as a way to relax and forget about work. They have several nights during the week that are set aside as proper nights to get drunk so as to relax. Bumbs falling asleep on sidewalks, sometimes, isn't seen as disturbing but part of life.

While there might be some errors in their culture from the perspective of an outsider, I should also not that there are things to credit the Koreans with. Since I've been here I've noticed that they have a love for nature in keeping it clean and promoting green energy. They have established many parks, trails and hikes. Within their parks are not just toys for kids but exercise equipment for all for choose to take advantage. Also, worthy of noting, the Koreans are very nice and consider. Oh sure there are some that are not so friendly, but for the most part they are kind. I don't know why, maybe because the Koreans are a friendly race, but crime is low and I feel safe. I have yet to feel threatened.

This is what I have to offer so far until later good-bye my friends. (Friend in Korean-Chingoo)
Don't quote me on the spelling. I'm spelling it how I heard it. Caio

The sounds of bells clinging and clanging awoke me on the day of my departure. 2:15am, giving me just 45 minutes to be ready and out the door to Portland, in order to check my bags, go through security and get to my gate before take-off. Of course all went well, I don’t see how it could have gone any other way seeing as how it was so early and delays seemed quite avoidable. As I walked out on the runway I looked up towards the parking garage where my parents were waiting and watching. I gave them a final wave of the hand before lowering my head and boarding the plane. I owed them much for their care and generosity, but then again what loving parents wouldn’t have done the same.
On the flight I sat next to a young boy who looked like he wanted and needed another 5 hours of sleep. He got a couple on the flight down to L.A. I myself tried to doze off a bit, however, I happened to sit across the aisle from the only two men on the airplane who were persistent in carry out a conversation while the rest of us tried to rest. On and on they went taking about places they’ve been and what those places do right and wrong. “Well in Guatemala they do this and in Argentina and in Oregon and in Japan…” although I was intrigued with their discussion of the beloved Argentina the rest of their conversation withheld me from further needed rest. For two hours they conjured up conversation. I thought to clap as we landed and they became silent, but instead I grabbed my bag and walk into the L.A. international airport with blood shot eyes.
The international airport in L.A. is, well, very big to put it bluntly. It took a little questioning to find my way around but I managed. Checked in, went through security again and found my gate. As hunger set in I went hunting through the section looking for a sandwich. Unfortunately, airport personnel have no idea what the cost of food is throughout the country. I settled for an apple and a banana and suffered the cost for my hunger with a purchase of $3.89. Returning to my gate I read some, but reading made me all the more weary so I nibbled on some homemade bread and people watched. As take off gradually drew closer and closer the gate was filled with an array of people but mostly those of oriental decent. Then the flight began on a bowing 747, which was a freakishly huge plane. The flight was so long…it went on and on and on…6 movies I watched, two meals I ate and a couple 15 minute naps to conclude the adventure over the pacific.
When I got to South Korea I went through customs, exchanged currency, got my bags and then sat around for about an hour until the driver from the school made it. Unfortunately, the two of us had to wait for about an hour at the airport for another teacher from Chicago who never showed up because he missed his connecting flight in Tokyo. Then Pep and I headed for Seoul and as he drove we discussed North and South Korea, things to do, U.S. politics and pop culture. Then after 29 hours of traveling I met my boss and some other employees. Thereafter they drove me to my temporary apartment in Seoul. Once they left I turned on the television, wrote a quick e-mail to my family to let them know that I was ok and then I crashed.

Greetings Friends,

Everywhere I looked today was beautiful. I love Oregon and I love my friends and family. All the more reason to acknowledge why leaving is such a hard thing to do. Some times I wish I could see my future then I'd be more at ease with what's to come and the decisions I have to make. Unfortunately, I'm blinded! I know not what lies beyond the distant shawdows of my future. It's at times like these that I lean oh so heavily upon my Savior and Father. Everyone keeps on telling me what a great experience I'll have and I'm sure they're right. However, the more I think about it, the more I feel God in my life. I feel Him close to me knowing that no matter what decision I make, to go or to stay, He is with me. I think this is good for me to notice because it puts life in perspective. It's not about how many places I can travel to in my life or how many friends I acquire whereever I choose to settle, but acknowledging the presence of God in my life no matter where I'm at, appreciating the things He has given me and praising Him with my talents. Pray for me my friends, I beseech you! Help this time abroad to be a good experience, but more importantly a continuation in faith, in love and in God.